Bucs drop doubleheader to Westfield State

WESTFIELD — It was a tough afternoon for Mass Maritime Academy in its Mass State Conference baseball openers against Westfield State.

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WESTFIELD — It was a tough afternoon for Mass. Maritime Academy in its Mass. State Conference baseball openers against Westfield State.

The Owls posted two hard-earned victories over MMA, 6-5 in 11 innings and 5-3.

The Owls improved to 8-6 overall and 2-0 in the conference. MMA is 10-4 and 0-2.

MMA wasted a 3-0 lead in the opener, built in the first inning with the help of Gabe Stallions' two-run single.

The Bucs, trailing 5-3, knotted the score in the fifth on an RBI triple by A.J. Garstang, who then advanced home on a throwing error.

Westfield received a strong relief pitching performance from Steve Sullivan and a game-winning hit from Steve Burndrett in the bottom of the 11th.

Sullivan recorded the pitching victory, hurling the final six and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits and two walks. He had no strikeouts.

In the nightcap, Westfield scored all five of its runs in the first two innings to take a 5-0 lead. Six of the Owls' seven hits in the game came in the opening two frames.

Mass. Maritime scored a run in the third on a solo homer by Joe Albano, who was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. The Bucs tacked on single runs in their final two at bats, but the Owls held on for another close victory.

David Hike took the pitching loss in both games. He hurled the first two innings in the second game and the final five innings in the opener.

WESTFIELD — Mass. Maritime opened its softball season in rough fashion yesterday, falling to Westfield State in Mass. State Conference play in both ends of a doubleheader, 10-0 and 17-1.

The Owls improved to 8-3 overall. The doubleheader was MMA's season opener. Both games lasted five innings.

In the opener, Westfield junior standout Chelsea Sylvia, out of New Bedford H.S., hurled a perfect game. She struck out 13 of 15 batters faced.

Leadoff batter Jackie Mason was 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI. Sophomore Danielle Lutenegger (Sunderland) was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI, and sophomore designated hitter Kim Brennan was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a double.

In the second game, Westfield crossed the plate 12 times in its first at bat. The Owls outhit the Bucs, 16-3, led by four hits from sophomore Allison Allen, who had two doubles and three RBI.